# Approach motivation, effortful control, and internalizing and externalizing problems

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 2020 · $624,618

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Much attention has been focused on dysfunction associated with high or low approach
motivation, or with deficits in effortful control. Recent evidence suggests, however, that it is
important to consider these two dimensions jointly. We suggest that high approach motivation is
related to externalizing syndromes, low approach motivation is related to internalizing
syndromes, and that high effortful control dampens the effects of both of these extremes of
approach motivation. We propose to take a multi-level approach to systematically investigate a
broad range of internalizing and externalizing syndromes. This project will address two
critical gaps: 1) Researchers to date have rarely considered approach motivation and cognitive
control jointly. 2) Researchers have not examined how models of approach and effortful control
can explain a broad range of both internalizing and externalizing syndromes. To address these
gaps, our proposal has three specific aims: Aim 1: Investigate associations between neural,
behavioural, and self-report indices of approach motivation. Aim 2: Investigate associations
between neural, behavioral, and self-report indices of effortful control. Aim 3: Investigate how
the confluence of high approach motivation and low effortful control predict a range of
externalizing syndromes in a community outpatient sample. Aim 4: Investigate how the
confluence of low approach motivation and low effortful control predict a range of internalizing
syndromes in the same sample. Knowledge gained will provide information about core
motivational and control deficits in psychopathology and their neural basis, and provide an
important base for treatment development. The aims of this project fit NIMH goals of integrating
basic research with clinical science to enhance outcomes for those with mental illness.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9929015
- **Project number:** 5R01MH110477-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **Principal Investigator:** Sheri L Johnson
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $624,618
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-05 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9929015

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9929015, Approach motivation, effortful control, and internalizing and externalizing problems (5R01MH110477-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9929015. Licensed CC0.

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